Letter to the Honorable Norman C. Bay, Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - Request Hearing on JCP&L's Proposal to Increase Transmission Rates
Letter
Dear Chairman Bay:
I write regarding Jersey Central Power & Light's (JCP&L) proposal to increase electric transmission rates in 2017. I respectfully request that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) hold a hearing on this proposal to determine whether it is necessary, just and reasonable, particularly in regard to the impact the increase would have on ratepayers. The public should also be allowed an opportunity to comment on this proposal.
As you know, FERC's approval is necessary for any rate increase by JCP&L to take effect. In making its decision, FERC should take into account concerns raised by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, the state Division of Rate Counsel, and other stakeholder groups. This rate increase could be a significant burden on ratepayers; according to the Rate Counsel, JCP&L's proposal would increase rates by 150%. FERC should hold a hearing to investigate a rate increase of this magnitude.
This is not the only JCP&L proposal my constituents have concerns about. Over the past year, JCP&L, and its parent company FirstEnergy, attempted to transfer all of JCP&L's transmission assets to a separate company, Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission, and to build a new 10-mile transmission line in my district, known as the Monmouth County Reliability Project. While the benefits of these proposals for ratepayers are dubious, JCP&L would certainly reap financial benefits if either of these proposals were approved.
That is why I am respectfully urging FERC to provide a serious and sincere opportunity for the public to comment on JCP&L's proposed rate increase. New Jersey ratepayers should not be subjected to onerous energy costs, and any increase of this magnitude should be carefully scrutinized.
Thank you in advance for your most serious consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
FRANK PALLONE, JR
Member of Congress
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